Let's Do Coffee

In this episode we chat with Leanna Carriere.  Leanna completed the Personal Fitness Training program at NAIT in 2017 and is an elite athlete.  She and her sister founded Seven Summit Snacks out of a personal need.  They have a very interesting story behind how their name came to be.  Business has been like their chocolate, a slow burn... but they are seeing some great success.  This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Brandon Douglas of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Gillian Thomson.  Gillian founded Skipper, a totally new type of shower cap. Gillian invented the Skipper cap out of a need she personally had. Trial and error and not giving up is how Gillian got there.  Skipper will help you skip wash day with confidence. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Brandon Douglas of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Zack Storms.  Zack founded Startup TNT which is an amazing community found throughout the prairies that started right here in Edmonton. TNT stands for Thursday Night Tradition.  At Startup TNT they have fun, make friends and build companies. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Brandon Douglas of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Garrett Fleck.  Garrett completed his BBA in the JR Shaw School of Business in 2016 and is the Founder of Reputed.  Garrett is also one of the Mawji Centre's valuable Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. At Reputed they help businesses reach their true potential, changing the way businesses speak, listen and share online. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Brandon Douglas of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Mike Oostenbrink.  Mike completed the NAIT Machinist program in 2013  and is the Owner of Exakt Industries.  Exakt is a CNC machine shop that builds high quality custom parts.  The Covid outbreak accelerated Mike's plans for entrepreneurship. After incorporating in January of 2021, Exakt was up and running by April as a full-service CNC machine shop. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Brandon Douglas of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Rob Jennings.  Rob completed the NAIT Marketing program in 1998 and is the President and Founder of FKA.  FKA is an Edmonton based marketing and communications agency. After several years of working and building his marketing toolkit, Rob went out on his own and founded FKA in 2008. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Mikayla Balfour.  Mikayla is a 3rd year JRSSB student and founder of GRIT Snow.  Mikayla is one of the Mawji Centre's Entrepreneurship Blue Book Program students and recently won 1st place in our student pitch competition.  Grit Snow is an outerwear apparel line for female skiers and snowboarders.  This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Ethan Maat of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Erick Estrada.  Erick is the Executive Director of the Alberta Avenue Business Association and co-founder and Director of FlamingSoft Inc.   Erick completed his Business diploma at NAIT as an international student and is now working on his BBA.  This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Ethan Maat of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Kelly Wolfert.  Kelly is the owner of Leven Creative, Keen Eye Cameras, and RAW rental house. Kelly is an alumnus of the NAIT Radio and Television Program and the Producer behind SpiderMable, a real life super hero story. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Ethan Maat of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Jade Chiles and Evan Wain.  Jade and Evan are the Co-founders of Ordr.  Why pay a ton for tickets to a live event and then miss out on magical moments while waiting in line at a concession?  Jade is a NAIT JRSSB BBA student and Evan is a NAIT Bio Sciences alumnus. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Ethan Maat of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Rima Tabet.  Rima is the founder of Gray Jay Gifts.  Rima completed the Personal Fitness Trainer program at NAIT and was working as a gym manager for a local hotel when Covid 19 hit. A portion of each gift box is donated back to local charities and Rima prides herself on only purchasing goods from Canadian businesses.  This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Ethan Maat of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Corey Meyer, NAIT Meat Cutting Program alumnus and the man behind Acme Meats.  Corey worked with the original owners and moved to owner after working ten years. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Samuel Yasinski, NAIT JR Shaw School of Business Finance student.  Sam was a student in our pre-pilot of The Mawji Centre's Entrepreneurship Blue Book Program and launched his business in property management and has now used the process learned to launch Fintrak.  Fintrak helps build financial plans and eliminates stress over money. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Steven Brochu, NAIT Culinary alumnus.  Steven is the chef and owner of MilkCrate.  Steven was the head chef at Chartier before he decided to branch out and launch his own business.  Steven found creative ways to keep business going during COVID lockdowns. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Niki Kearl.   Niki is a BTECH student and the founder of Blu Orthotics.  Niki's involvement with the Mawji Centre began when her team took first place in the Innovation Challenge in 2021.  What a year she has had!   This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we chat with Hubert Lau.  Hubert completed the Computer Systems Technology program at NAIT and is the President and CEO of TrustBix.   Their mission is to create a world where we trust more, waste less and reward sustainable behaviour.  This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode, we feature Monita Chapman. Monita is the owner of Simply Supper. She shares her story on taking over and expanding the meal prep company business, and her amazing charitable work with Simply Supper Helps. Hear how Monita was forced to pivot during the pandemic and how those changes affected her business.  This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we feature Andy Karesa.  Andy completed the BTECH program at NAIT and is the founder of Karesa Consulting.  He shares his story and how he never wanted to be an entrepreneur, it wasn't a goal of his.  A big lesson for Andy was not to hide his ambitions.  This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we feature Star Birdyellowhead.  Star has seen several career pivots and completed her Personal Fitness Trainer program at NAIT. Star appeared on the series Blackstone which is filmed in Alberta and was an apprentice plumber.  Star shares her story and how she is developing as an entrepreneur.  This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we feature Bridget Brown.  Bridget completed the Radio and Television Program at NAIT in 1999.  Bridget is the founder and chief  word nerd at Create That Copy & Marketing.  Bridget shares how her family helped her be unafraid to start her own business. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we feature Mike Schoenberger.  Mike completed his Telecommunications Engineering Technology program at NAIT in 1990.  Mike is the CEO and founder of Sunco Communications & Installation Ltd and on the Mawji Centre's Advisory Council.  Mike's first job stung, literally, as he worked for a bee keeper. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we feature Natasha Saddleback.  Natasha is a JR Shaw School of Business student and entrepreneur.  Natasha is a mother of 5 children and the founder of Project Unity Productions. She began her studies 12 years ago and abandoned.  She returned three years ago.  Natasha shares her story, her challenges and where she is at now. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we feature Don Muth.  Don is the owner/president of Muth Electrical Management.  He completed his Master Electrician certificate at NAIT in 1978.  Don began to take on supervisory and project management positions. Out of that experience, Muth Electrical Management Inc. was incorporated in 1995. This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we feature Kyle Kulyk.  Kyle is the co-founder and lead developer for indie developer Itzy Interactive Inc. He began his career in finance and after a decade in a brokerage industry, a layoff, an uncertain economy and the birth of his first child caused him to re-evaluate his career goals.  He retrained, graduating with honours from NAIT's Digital Media and IT program with an emphasis on Game Programming and Design.  This episode was hosted by NAIT's Mawji Centre and produced by Cannon Millward of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode, Dale Schaub chats with Darryl Short, NAIT alumnus and founder of Karma Machine Manufacturing and Karma Medical Devices.   Darryl's family immigrated to Canada from South Africa and started their new lives here with a family, seven suitcases and his Dad's toolbox. This episode was hosted by the Mawji Centre and produced by Lamya Asiff of NAIT's Radio and Television Program.

In this episode, Dale Schaub chats with Bean Gill, NAIT Medical Radiologic Technology alumnus and  co-founder of ReYu Paralysis Recovery Centre.  Bean hopes that 2012 remains the worst year of her life and openly shares her story and journey. This episode was hosted by the Mawji Centre and produced by Breanne Brown of NAIT's Radio and Television Program.

In this episode, we chat with Kathy Leskow, NAIT JR Shaw School of Business alumnus and founder of Confetti Sweets.  She started off baking cookies in her home kitchen and selling them at local farmer’s markets.  When she couldn't keep up with the demand for her sweets, she bought a commercial oven. Before she knew it, Kathy was running a fully-functional bakery out of her basement, with a dozen staff.  This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.

In this episode, we interview Kimberly Allison.  Kimberly completed her diploma at NAIT in the Radio and Television program.  She had dreams of a career as a film producer.  Her journey didn't end there.  She made a few career pivots and after several years in radio sales, with the support of her husband, decided to start her own company. This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.

In this episode, we interview Patrick and Chaimae Cunningham.  Patrick completed his baking diploma and went on to NAIT's school of Business to complete his business diploma. Chaimae completed her business diploma with a management focus.  Patrick and Chaimae are the founders of Paddy Bakes, a company they founded when COVID-19 affected their job prospects.  In November they were awarded second place in the Mawji Centre's student pitch competition.  Their bread is what dreams are made of. This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.

In this episode we interview Shelvie Fernan and Victoria Celi.  Both Shelvie and Victoria have their BBA majoring in entrpreneurship and Shelvie is in the final stages of completing her marketing designation.  Shelvie and Victoria are the co-founders of Fly and Fetch and Drive and Fetch.  Because of Covid they have become the queens of pivoting. This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.

In this episode we interview Jennifer Kennedy.  Jennifer is an Associate Broker with Local Real Estate in Edmonton.  She completed her Finance diploma at NAIT.  After several years in finance and as a stay-at-home Mom she launched her career in Real Estate, opening her own brokerage in 2010.  Jennifer is a valued NAIT Mawji Centre mentor and supporter of budding entrepreneurs. This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.

In this episode we interview Marsha Thurlin, President of Choice Survey & Construction Supplies.  Marsha is a proud alumn of NAIT's Surveying program.  As a part of the field equipment industry in Western Canada, Marsha saw an opportunity to provide a new approach of offering equipment and supplies to the industry. She accomplished this by providing an inviting atmosphere for both inexperienced and veteran clients alike. Marsha soon realized the importance of offering alternative products and processes that have now become standard in the industry. This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.    

In this episode we interview Angela Armstrong, President of Prime Capital Group and Mawji Centre Advisor.  Angela was first exposed to entrepreneurship as a youth.  Angela joined Junior Achievement in order to get out of the house and spend time with friends.  "You don't know what you don't know".  Mentorship, formal and informal are so crucial.  This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.

In this episode we interview Brandon Boutin, Pipefitter '05.  Brandon partnered with Tyler McNaughton (Arch Tech'05) and Sterling Nordin (Heavy Equipment '02) to found Town Square Brewing.  After a failed attempt to bring a US franchise to Alberta they decided to start from scratch to create the brew experience they dreamed of.   This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.

In this episode we interview Deo Samuels.  Deo is a second year NAIT JR Shaw School of Business student and founder of EZNotes.  Deo shares what inspired him to start his company and how he is progressing.  He's looking to pilot now, so if you are interested he's ready!  This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.

In this episode we interview Scott Shewchuk.  Scott is the owner/manager of Fountain Tire's Londonderry location.  He shares his journey as an entrepreneur from working on the sales floor to owning his own store. This episode was hosted and produced by the NAIT Radio and Television program's very own Lamya Asiff.

Local restaurateurs and husband and wife team, Nevi & Kara Fenske have a whopping 30 years experience between the two of them.  Both graduated from NAIT and Nevin is a Red Seal Chef from the culinary program while Kara is a graduate in Business Management. They have travelled extensively together over 5 continents to gain experience and combine food cultures from all over the world. They are the power behind Drift Food Truck.  This episode was hosted and recorded by Lamya Asiff of NAIT's Radio and Television program.

In this episode we interview Jonathan Mui.  Jonathan is in his last semester of the Digital Media and IT program at NAIT and the co-founder of Agriolabs.  Agriolabs gets you growing real food at home by creating self-sustaining, commitment free, and out of the way grow box systems.  This episode was recorded in the studios with host Larissa Nothof and co-host Lamya Asiff.

In this episode we interview Lyle Best.  Lyle is Chairman and founder of the Quickcard Group of Companies.  He is a firm believer in giving back to your community and supporter of NAIT.  Lyle volunteers of his time to be an Advisor for the Mawji Centre of New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship.  Lyle grew up in a funeral home and began his career as a private investigator.  He never chased money, he chased what he wanted to do and what made him happy.  The money followed.  This episode was recorded in the studios at NAIT radio, NR92 by Lamya Asiff and Larissa Nothof.

In this episode we interview Derryk Lenz. Derryk is a graduate of NAIT's Business program with an major in accounting and an entrepreneur.   Derryk is the President of Alumination Canada.    His business is centered around everlasting, Canadian made gifts that are unique and made local.  Alumination is seeing geat success around the world.  This episode was recorded in the studios at NAIT radio, NR92. 

In this episode we interview Joanne Fedeyko. Joanne is a graduate of NAIT's Business program with an major in accounting and an entrepreneur.   Joanne is the CEO of Connection Silicon Valley and founder of Accellerate.    Her business is centered around bringing better innovation to Canada by helping startups and large corporates leverage the best of innovation from Silicon Valley. This episode was recorded in the studios at NAIT radio, NR92. 

In this episode we interview Peter Keith. Peter is a NAIT graduate from the Culinary program and an entrepreneur.   Peter and his three partners founded Meuwly's on 124th street. Before the shop opened they began generating revenue and promoting their business through their meat subscription service, their "Secret Meat Club".  This episode was recorded in the studios at NAIT radio, NR92.  

In this episode we interview Andre Gagnon.  Andre is a NAIT  graduate and entrepreneur.   He started his journey in automotive and then completed the Heavy Equipment apprenticeship.  He co-founded Liftboss Material Handling Group in 2006 with lots of determination and little capital. This episode was hosted and produced by NAIT Radio and Television student Jett Neimeyer and produced by MacKenzie Simpson.  The episode was recorded in the studios of NAIT Radio, NR92.

In this episode we interview Daniel Matishak.  Daniel is a NAIT DMIT graduate and entrepreneur.  Daniel started his entrepreneurship journey as a student, creating his own co-op opportunity.  Daniel is the founder of Mindable Inc, Astrologyanswers.com and Dailylife.com. This episode was hosted and produced by NAIT Radio faculty Lamya Asiff and recorded in the studios of NAIT Radio, NR92.

In this episode we interview Monika Taylor.  Monika is a NAIT JR Shaw School of Business graduate and entrepreneur.  She left a salaried position to start her business Monika Social.  Monika's passion for social media and building relationships led her to create Monika Social to help fellow entrepreneurs and small businesses grow while cultivating valuable, loyal customers. This episode was hosted and produced by NAIT Radio students Daniel Hermanutz and Eddie Dallyn and recorded in the studios of NAIT Radio, NR92.

In this episode we interview Arth Soni and Raj Shah, NAIT students and co-founders of Edueats, an on campus food delivery service.  Raj and Arth share their journey as entrepreneurs and their experience pitching their company at Inventure$ in Calgary June 2019. This episode was hosted and produced by NAIT Radio students Sam Duckett and Sam Hsu and recorded in the studios of NAIT Radio, NR92.

In this episode we interview JP Benoit, one of the youngest to ever run and own a Fountain Tire Franchise.  JP shares his journey as an entrepreneur from working on the shop floor to owning his own store. This episode was hosted and produced by NAIT Radio students BreAnne Reich and Chance Snethun and recorded in the studios of NAIT Radio, NR92.

In this episode, we interview Chef Levi Biddlecombe of Why Not Cafe & Bar.  Why Not? is consistently supporting local artists and musicians.  With only 9 years experience in the industry, appearances on Chopped Canada, Gold Medal Plates, Great Kitchen Party and Canadian Food Championships, Chef Levi is excited to present his vision to YEG. This episode was produced and hosted by NAIT radio students Matt Matyszczuk and Jesse Ambrock and recorded in the studios of NAIT Radio, NR92.

In this episode, we interview Shannon Neighbour, a partner, what she describes as "boutique" recruitment firm at SN recruiting. Shannon tells us what it was like transitioning from a sales role within the advertising to her new life in recruitment with some personal challenges along the way. We hope you enjoy!  Presented by the NAIT Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship. 

In this episode, we interview Rob LeLacheur, Founder and current CEO of Marketing strategy company Road 55. Rob walks us through what it was like transitioning from a long and fruitful corporate life to owning his own business. He talks about his approaches to business and the ways he setups his company for success. We hope you enjoy!  Presented by the NAIT Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship. 

In this episode, we interview Craig Harder, Co-Founder and current CEO of international mining company Raptor Mining. They specialize in design, engineering and manufacturing company. We talked about the history of Raptor, how it grew in scale, the manufacturing it took on and how Craig deals with a multinational company by the use of a lot of coffee and red wine. We hope you enjoy!  Presented by the NAIT Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship.